YMCA of the Brandywine Valley Healthy Living Challenge participants log more than 1 million steps

Chester County residents have entered the second month of the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley’s Healthy Living Challenge. The program, which is in partnership with Activate Chester County and the Daily Local News, encourages participants to track their walking and running activity for a month.

During January, the 10 participants walked a total of 525.22 miles with 1,127,839 steps, burning 50,062 calories.

Comments from some of the January participants:

“Being a part of the challenge motivated me to make walking a priority every day. Regardless of late meetings, dinners and the demands of the job I began to look forward to getting home to walk! This was the habit I was hoping to form during this time and believe once the Actiped comes off, I will continue this well into the future.” – Nancy Keefer, president of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry

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“This project created such a high sense of awareness around how much, or sometimes, how little we move each day when distracted by work and personal obligations. A day would fly by and I would check my movement report and realize I had better get moving before my 16 waking hours were up.” - Claudia Hellebush, president & CEO United Way of Chester County

“With some reluctance I signed on to engage in the Challenge. Mainly because I thought I would not remember to put the device on my shoes due to my busy schedule, or I would not be active enough. I am so glad that I participated. The Challenge caused me to focus more on how active I am doing the day, it forced me to move more and most importantly it contributed to my being more conscious of what I eat. It’s been great!” - Bob Jennings, president of Lincoln University

“Participating in this wellness event has provided discipline and focus for getting out each day and walking as much as my busy schedule allows. I plan on continuing, and hopefully, increasing my walking discipline in the future months and beyond.” Lou Beccaria – president and CEO of Phoenixville Community Health Foundation

“Not only did I enjoy the fitness challenge – it motivated me to exercise more, particularly by walking the 11 blocks (22 minutes) to work in West Chester, but it also had the unexpected benefit of allowing me to enjoy the serendipitous conversations of friends I happened to see and meet along the way. Now that my month is complete, I will continue to ‘keep on steppin.’” Terence Farrell – Chester County commissioner

“I had so much fun with this, that it actually got me into a routine that I am dedicated to.” Arlene McGranaghan – Daily Local News

The program continues in February with 10 new participants. They talked about why this initiative is important to them.

“I remind myself that we are just “visiting” this planet, for which I am very grateful. Living a healthy lifestyle will (hopefully) extend this wonderful visit – and leading by example will hopefully inspire others to do the same.” -- Wendy Hoffman, executive director, Chester County Bar Association

“As an elected official for the healthiest county in Pennsylvania, it’s important to lead by example. Too often, we get caught up in our daily routines and exercise gets placed on the back burner. This program helps remind our community to walk that extra mile towards a healthier lifestyle.” -- Rick Loughery, recorder of deeds, County of Chester

“It’s helpful to me and to the community in terms of healthy living!” -- state Sen. Andrew Dinniman

“I am thrilled that the Y, Activate Chester County and the Daily Local News are conducting this campaign and honored to be asked to participate. I think I’m a good example of someone who squeezes enough activity into a busy schedule – full time job, family, synagogue leadership, one hour commute, etc. – with a little weight training and enough aerobics to stay moderately fit. I was completely un-athletic as a kid and teen, started running at 19, and have been working out off and on now for over 35 years. I’m not obsessed, I’m not in FABULOUS shape, but I am healthy. And, I am evidence that exercise is a tremendous mood elevator – it helps me deal with stress on the job and long dark days during the winter. If I can exercise, anyone can and I really do believe that.” -- Frances Sheehan, president and CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation

“We live and operate in such a busy environment each day, dealing with the pressures of work and family, that it can be difficult to find time for exercise and healthy eating. The Healthy Living Challenge, which I am excited to be part of, is a great program to help me focus on the importance of exercise. We all must realize that a healthy body, flexible and strong will allow us to live a more productive and happier life.” -- Michael J. Fili, manager of Operations-Great Valley Division at Aqua PA

“Changing a sedentary lifestyle by taking a brisk walk is both easy and rewarding. I am honored to be a part of a challenge that will create a supportive environment for health-seekers in our community to achieve wellness in spirit, mind and body.” -- Helen Flanders, executive director of the Oscar Lasko Youth Program Center YMCA

“A great way to begin each day is as simple as taking one step at a time -- walking your way to a healthy lifestyle!” -- Julian McCracken, financial administrator at the Phoenixville Area Children’s Learning Center

“It will keep me motivated to exercise after a long day when I might feel like sitting on the couch instead.” -- Bryan Brockson, director of Business Development at EDiS Co.

“Being part of The Chester County Leaders for Healthy Living Challenge allows me to highlight the benefits of exercise for diabetics. I have recently been diagnosed with Type I Diabetes but have been aided in the management of the disease by a commitment to exercise. Last year, the Y had a t-shirt with the slogan, ‘Exercise as if your life depends on it.’ We should all abide by that mantra.” -- Tim Walsh, CFO of the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley

“I’m already a runner, but when asked to participate in the YMCA’s Healthy Living Challenge I was excited to quantify my running and general activity. One thing became very clear very quickly -- I walk very little throughout my work day. While running after work is already my routine, it’s February and cold outside -- this challenge keeps me from wimping out.” -- Chelsea Reyher, Features reporter, Daily Local News